This is Only a Test
1,223 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 562 ratingsThis is the official podcast of Tested.com. Tested brings you the week's technology and science news, with hosts Will Smith, Norman Chan, and Jeremy Williams. There's no jargon here, just solid explanations of the week's news--and plenty of wacky tangents. Make sure you stick around after the outro for fake outtakes!
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Episodes
Behind the Attraction – This is Only a Test 610 – 7/29/21
July 29, 2021 07:08 - 1 hour - 32.8 MBJeremy returns his week down in Southern California and reports back on his visit to Galaxy's Edge, Universal Studios Hollywood, and the EV road trip getting there. We also have more thoughts on the Steam Deck, discuss the first hands-on reports of the Playdate handheld, and awe at PlayStation 5's record-breaking sales. Plus, some Oculus updates that VR fans should know about!
Steam Deck – This is Only a Test 609 – 7/22/21
July 22, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 29.8 MBDan Stapleton from IGN joins us this week to break down the announcement of the Steam Deck as we talk through Valve's forays into making and selling hardware. From the hardware's potential to the pre-order system designed to thwart scalpers, we discuss who this new handheld is designed for and our hopes for it. Plus, a spoiler-filled recap and review of the finale of Loki!
A Coupon Day or Something – This is Only a Test 608 – 7/15/21
July 15, 2021 10:38 - 1 hour - 28.7 MBKishore gives a health update, Jeremy prepares for a trip to Disneyland, and Norm has opinions about the new look of broadcast sports. Disney announces two eagerly-anticpated streaming specials, and we review Black Widow and talk about what its simultaneous theatrical and streaming release mean for the future of Marvel Studios films. Plus, we weigh in on the achievements of private companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Orgin, and SpaceX have made in sending their own crewed missions to space. ...
Stay In Your Lane, Car – This is Only a Test 607 – 7/8/21
July 08, 2021 17:45 - 53 minutes - 25 MBKishore's back from vacation to give us some context about what's going on with the Delta variant, and we share our spoiler-free thoughts on the latest episode of Loki, Nintendo's surprising Switch hardware announcement, and the latest on Jeremy and Kishore's EV quests. Plus, what movies do you think would benefit from a 4D theater treatment?
Rare LEGO – This is Only a Test 606 – 7/1/21
July 01, 2021 09:17 - 1 hour - 28.2 MBWe're joined by friend of the site Steve Lin this week to catch up and talk about the reception to Disney's Loki show so far (no spoilers!), the announcement of Windows 11, the benefits of 4K vs HDR, and anticipation for the new LEGO BrickLink Designer Program. Plus, our reaction to the latest Picard Season 2 trailer and how much an iconic Next Generation prop sold for at auction!
EV Quest – This is Only a Test 605 – 6/24/21
June 24, 2021 13:09 - 1 hour - 28.6 MBA new dubstep intro theme drops this week as Will joins us to discuss the things that excited us at E3, the games that both Will and Jeremy have been working on, and Jeremy's ongoing quest for a new electric vehicle. Plus we review both Pixar's Luca and Lin Manuel Miranda's In The Heights!
The Variant Episode – This is Only a Test 604 – 6/18/21
June 18, 2021 07:19 - 58 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode from a parallel reality, branched off from the sacred timeline, Norm is joined by Bill Doran (Punished Props Academy) and Joel Telling (3D Printing Nerd) to catch up and geek out about 3D printing, producing their YouTube channels, and embracing different tools for making--and making videos. And we eventually get around to reviewing the first episode of Loki!
Let's Make a PlayDate – This is Only a Test 603 – 6/10/21
June 10, 2021 09:27 - 1 hour - 33.6 MBLots to go over this week as we break down Apple's announcements from WWDC, dissect the Battlefield 2042 debut trailer, get excited over new information on the PlayDate portable game system, and show off some holograms on a Looking Glass Portrait volumetric lightfield display. Plus, the early reports from Avengers Campus and Norm's new lightsaber!
The Real Ocean's 11 – This is Only a Test 602 – 6/3/21
June 03, 2021 07:01 - 1 hour - 31.1 MBWe're joined by Tested contributor Bill Doran of Punished Props Academy to talk about his latest foam fabrication projects, how he's thinking about convention travel plans for the rest of the year, and the benefits of FDM 3D printers versus resin printers. Plus, Kishore gives an update on NASA's James Webb telescope and we all geek out over reality competition shows that showcase compentency over drama.
Steam in Your Pocket – This is Only a Test 601 – 5/27/21
May 27, 2021 07:12 - 1 hour - 30.7 MBWe don't hold our breath for news about JJ Abram's Portal movie, but get excited for casting for Netflix's Sandman in this week's episode. We also discuss the rumor that Valve is making a handheld gaming PC to run Steam, the first Eternals trailer, and Tesla's decision to go all in on computer vision.
Step Into The Looking Glass – This is Only a Test 600 – 5/21/21
May 21, 2021 21:56 - 1 hour - 38.5 MBDuocast this week as Kishore and Norm recap the news from Google I/O, dissect the Project Starline telepresence booth, get hyped for a new Batman animated show, and sing the praises of the VR game Demeo. Plus, more impressions of the Framework modular laptop and what an electric F-150 pickup means for the EV market.
Headset Haptics – This is Only a Test 599 – 5/13/21
May 13, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 30.1 MBOn the cusp of our 600th episode, we convene over the Zooms to discuss the announcements out of HTC's VIVECon, react to the rumored specs of PS5's VR hardware, and debate the merits of putting haptic feedback in a VR headset. We recap our recent experiences in Demeo and the new Population One Season 2 update, plus Jeremy lays out the details on Stern's upcoming Mandalorian Pinball machine. And how about that Venom 2 trailer?
The Tape Measure Lightsaber – This is Only a Test 598 – 5/6/21
May 06, 2021 08:18 - 1 hour - 29.4 MBAs we get close to our 600th episode, we mix things up with a new format for the show, narrowing our topics of discussion to the top four stories we found most interesting this week. Kicking things off is Disney's unveil of a "working" lightsaber prop for its theme parks, our review of The Mitchells vs the Machines, Marvel's Phase 4 announcements, and the latest in the Apple vs Epic trial. Now accepting new segment music submissions!
Robo Meet and Greet – This is Only a Test 597 – 4/29/21
April 29, 2021 06:58 - 1 hour - 33.6 MBIt's taken us a year, but we're finally back on the podcast set (at least virtually) this week to talk about Imagineering's Project Kiwi robot prototype, the filmic look of the Academy Awards, and our impressions of Oculus's Air Link feature for the Quest 2 headset. Plus, our final thoughts on The Falcon and the Winter Solider as we brace for the Loki series!
TV Remote Hype – This is Only a Test 596 – 4/22/21
April 22, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutes - 26.6 MBIn this week's duocast, Kishore and Norm go over the announcements from Apple's packed Spring Loaded event, debate the usefulness of tile-trackers, and get hyped for Ted Lasson season 2. Plus, a spoiler-discussion of the fifth episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, the Shang-Chi teaser trailer, and a quick VR minute!
Enter the Infinite Office – This is Only a Test 595 – 4/15/21
April 15, 2021 08:06 - 1 hour - 31.8 MBWill guests this week as we discuss the major new features of the Oculus Quest 2's impending V28 software release and review the latest episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Plus, what we hope to see out of Apple and HTC's upcoming virtual events, and our hopes for Disney's mysterious lightsaber design! Thanks to Will for guesting this week! Check out his chat with Kishore about the latest on vaccines at https://techpod.content.town/
Picard's Second Chance – This is Only a Test 594 – 4/8/21
April 09, 2021 06:48 - 40 minutes - 18.9 MBA special short episode this week as Norm checks in from his paternity leave to catch up with the gang about the latest episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, that bonkers Loki trailer, and our cautious optimism for the next season of Star Trek: Picard. Plus, an interview with the team behind Plutosphere, who want to make cloud-based VR a reality.
An Awkward Thanksgiving – This is Only a Test 593 – 4/1/21
April 01, 2021 06:49 - 1 hour - 31.3 MBWe're joined by special guest Devindra Hardawar (from Engadget and the Slashfilmcast) this week to talk about the return of Comic-Con in San Diego this Thanksgiving, the implications of the latest Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode, and what new tech we're excited for this year. Plus, a retrospective discussion of VR on the fifth anniversary of the Oculus Rift's launch! Thanks to Devindra for guesting this week! You can follow him at https://twitter.com/devindra
Intel's Next Big Bet – This is Only a Test 592 – 3/25/21
March 25, 2021 07:23 - 1 hour - 31.4 MBThis week, we review the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (spoilers within!), finally finish the Snyder Cut of Justice League, and discuss Intels' big foundry announcement. Plus, new LEGO sets we're excited for, OnePlus's new phones, and the Ingenuity robot copter's impending takeoff on Mars!
4:3 Aspect Ratio – This is Only a Test 591 – 3/18/21
March 18, 2021 22:32 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBThis week, we're joined by Will to talk about the release and reception to the Justice League Synder Cut, the controversial changes to Cricut cutter's design upload policy, and the surprise reveal of the PlayStation 5 VR controller. Plus, Intel takes a jab at Macs with a familiar face, and we get a download about the popular game Eco.
Who Wants Small Phones – This is Only a Test 590 – 3/11/21
March 11, 2021 08:31 - 1 hour - 32.6 MBThis week, Kishore explains the state of COVID vaccinations in the US and what the next couple months could look like, Norm and Jeremy review Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon, and we all wonder why Apple's mini iPhone may not be selling as well as expected. Plus, what we would want from an Amazon robot, and our hopes for physical controllers in VR and AR.
NFT WTF – This is Only a Test 589 – 3/5/21
March 06, 2021 06:40 - 1 hour - 40.2 MBThis week, we try to wrap our heads around the emerging NFT marketplace, how the technology works, where the demand is coming from, and what it means for the future of digital art sales. We also break down the new Nintendo Switch rumors and marvel at the footage of the SpaceX Starship SN10 landing. Plus, stick around after the credits for a full Wandavision finale spoilercast discussion and review!
Best Bye's to Fry's – This is Only a Test 588 – 2/25/21
February 25, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 32.4 MBThis week, we gush over the first images and audio to come from NASA's Perserverance rover after its successful landing on Mars! Jeremy is also beaming with pride over his first video game development credit in Blizzard's new Arcade Collection. With the highs also come the lows as we say goodbye to Cinefex, Daft Punk, and the computer store Fry's electronics. Plus some news on the PSVR front!
All Eyes On Perserverance – This is Only a Test 587 – 2/18/21
February 18, 2021 09:09 - 1 hour - 34.2 MBWe get excited for the Perserverance rover Mars landing happening later today in this week's episode. Jeremy finally watches In and Of Itself, we get hyped for The Last of Us casting, and try to deciper the new Chevy Bolt announcements. Plus, Kishore gets a Pelaton and we wrack our brains around reverse engineering the source code to GTA III.
House of MCU – This is Only a Test 586 – 2/11/21
February 11, 2021 08:55 - 1 hour - 32.1 MBThe gang gets together to recap their favorite bits from this past weekend's Superb Owl, including the new camera tech used for the broadcast and the best chicken wing recipes. Kishore shares tips for streamlining your streaming services, and Will guests this week to dive into the mind-bending implications of the latest WandaVision episode.
Tesla Goes Full K.I.T.T. – This is Only a Test 585 – 2/4/21
February 04, 2021 06:58 - 59 minutes - 27.8 MBWandaVision starts to get really interesting as we break down the latest MCU developments in the Disney+ show this week, along with discussion about Google's step back from Stadia games, multiple Mars landings this month, and Tesla's wild new car design decisions.
In and Of Itself Spoilercast! – This is Only a Test 584 – 1/28/21
January 28, 2021 09:13 - 1 hour - 37.1 MBThis week, we try to wrap our heads around the craziness happening with Gamestop's stock prices, and are joined by Will to review and discuss the Derek Delgaudio film In and Of Itself. Plus, a recap the latest WandaVision, brain-computer interface hype, and Kishore explains what's going on with COVID mutations. Thanks to Will for guesting this week! You can listen to Tech Pod at https://techpod.content.town/
Apple's VR Conundrum – This is Only a Test 583 – 1/21/21
January 22, 2021 03:15 - 1 hour - 32.5 MBWe break down the confounding rumors about Apple's VR headset plans on this week's show, review the first two episodes of WandaVision, and share what we'd want out of a Willy Wonda prequel. Plus, the surprising things we learned from iFixit's AirPods Max teardown, and the return of a Moment of Science! SF Covid Vaccine notification site: https://sf.gov/covid-19-vaccine-san-francisco
We're All at CES – This is Only a Test 582 – 1/15/21
January 15, 2021 09:37 - 1 hour - 32.2 MBWith the first virtual CES underway, we discuss the weird and far out products and prototypes that debuted this week. From multi-rotor taxis to RGB LED face masks, CES still manages to be a showcase for novelty tech. We also talk about the surprise Lucasfilm Games announcements, Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, and Doom 3 for VR!
2021's Return Window – This is Only a Test 581 – 1/07/21
January 08, 2021 07:14 - 1 hour - 30 MBHappy new year! The gang meets up to recap their holiday breaks, gifts we gave and received, and Jeremy's new gig in game development! We also review Pixar's Soul and Wonder Woman 1984, and get hyped for a year of MCU shows. Plus, our hopes for the virtual CES event happening next week!
Mando and Tenet – This is Only a Test 580 – 12/24/20
December 25, 2020 00:55 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBIt's our final episode of the year! We zoom up one last time to send off 2020 with an episode dedicated to discussing the second season finale of The Mandalorian, the future of Star Wars on television, and a spoiler-filled breakdown of Christopher Nolan's Tenet. Thanks for joining us for an uncertain and unconventional year, and stay safe during the holidays!
Neverending Star Wars – This is Only a Test 579 – 12/17/20
December 17, 2020 10:12 - 1 hour - 31 MBAs we get ready to close out the year, Disney gives us a tremendous amount to look forward to as they reveal their slate of Star Wars and Marvel shows and movies for the next few years. We break down the announcements and talk about the potential for these stories to take our favorite franchises in both new and familiar directions, as well as our hopes and fears for each. Plus, testing iPhone's ProRAW feature and mixed reality updates in the VR Minute!
MAXed Out – This is Only a Test 578 – 12/10/20
December 10, 2020 17:19 - 1 hour - 38.3 MBNews goes to the Max this week with the industry-shaking announcement about Warner Bros.'s plans to release all of its 2021 films on HBO Max and Apple's surprise AirPods Max unveil. Engadget editor Devindra Hardawar joins us on the show to this week to discuss the implications for the film business, his review of Apple's M1-powered laptops, and the latest episode of The Mandalorian.
Forever Baby Yoda – This is Only a Test 577 – 12/3/20
December 03, 2020 11:32 - 53 minutes - 24.9 MBWe're back from a remote Thanksgiving holiday to catch up on two weeks of news, including the unveiling of Super Mario World at Universal Japan, Wonder Woman 1984's upcoming debut on HBO Max, and a new desktop holographic display from Looking Glass. Plus, we recap this past week's awesome Mandalorian episode--revelations and spoilers within!
Not Too Good To Be True – This is Only a Test 576 – 11/19/20
November 19, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 37.9 MBDuocast this week! Kishore and Norm break down the reviews of Apple's new M1-based Macbooks, review the incredible documentary film In & Of Itself, recap this past week's Mandalorian, and lay out our hopes for Black Friday. Plus, an explanation of the recent vaccine news in a Moment of Science, and a bonus interview with our very own Darrell Maloney about mSLA 3D printing!
Enter the Apple M1 – This is Only a Test 575 – 11/12/20
November 12, 2020 08:21 - 1 hour - 35.4 MBThe long prophesied day has finally arrived--Apple this week announced three new computers that run on its new ARM-based M1 processor, and we dive into their configurations and discuss how the transition to ARM could affect new Mac buyers.
Feel Good Special Episode – This is Only a Test 574 – 11/5/20
November 06, 2020 07:37 - 39 minutes - 18.7 MBThere's a lot of stressful stuff happening in the world this week, so the gang finds solace in checking in on each other this week to talk about more cheerful things in life.
3080 Achieved – This is Only a Test 573 – 10/29/20
October 29, 2020 07:55 - 1 hour - 38.6 MBKishore gets a surprise delivery during the recording of this episode--his new gaming PC!
How Long is a Quibi – This is Only a Test 572 – 10/22/20
October 23, 2020 23:35 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBWill sits in the third chair this week to talk about his recent hunt for a future-proof TV, testing the GeForce 3080 graphics card, and the benefits of gaming on 360Hz monitors.
Episode 571 – Merry Questmas – 10/15/20
October 15, 2020 07:21 - 1 hour - 35.2 MBWhat a week for gear! Jeremy and Norm get on Zoom right after Apple's iPhone 12 keynote event to break down the new lineup of iPhones for this year and the tech introduced alongside them. From 5nm chip manufacturing to Apple's ProRAW photo format, here's what we're excited about from this year's phones. Plus, Quest 2 is finally out in the world!
Episode 570 - Most Underrated Captain - 10/8/20
October 09, 2020 11:22 - 1 hour - 40.6 MBNorm checks in from the road this week as we talk about our first long range trip in months, one week of playing Star Wars Squadrons, Star Trek cast members reuniting, and the impending iPhone annoucnement event. Plus, what the heck is going on with Spider-Man in the MCU? That and more as we get excited for the launch of Quest 2 in just a week!
Episode 570 – Most Underrated Captain – 10/8/20
October 09, 2020 11:22 - 1 hour - 40.6 MBNorm checks in from the road this week as we talk about our first long range trip in months, one week of playing Star Wars Squadrons, Star Trek cast members reuniting, and the impending iPhone annoucnement event. Plus, what the heck is going on with Spider-Man in the MCU? That and more as we get excited for the launch of Quest 2 in just a week!
Episode 569 - To HOTAS or Not HOTAS - 10/1/20
October 01, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBThis week, Jeremy and Norm are joined by former colleague Dan Stapleton, the Executive Editor of Reviews at IGN. We talk about the review process for the upcoming Star Wars: Squadrons and break down our thoughts of the game as the review embargo lifts. Plus, more Marvel tv show news, an incredible Mandalorian playset, and Amazon's drone security camera. Thanks to Dan for guesting on the show!
Episode 569 – To HOTAS or Not HOTAS – 10/1/20
October 01, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBThis week, Jeremy and Norm are joined by former colleague Dan Stapleton, the Executive Editor of Reviews at IGN. We talk about the review process for the upcoming Star Wars: Squadrons and break down our thoughts of the game as the review embargo lifts. Plus, more Marvel tv show news, an incredible Mandalorian playset, and Amazon's drone security camera. Thanks to Dan for guesting on the show!
Episode 568 - Gradual, Imperceptible Change - 9/24/20
September 24, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 33.9 MBWe have a full crew this week to review the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, unpack John Carmack's talk about the Oculus Quest 2, and dive into the science of Tesla's battery day news. Plus, Norm dons a Hololens 2 and shares some impressions, and we blitz through a whirlwind of pop culture updates.
Episode 568 – Gradual, Imperceptible Change – 9/24/20
September 24, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 33.9 MBWe have a full crew this week to review the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, unpack John Carmack's talk about the Oculus Quest 2, and dive into the science of Tesla's battery day news. Plus, Norm dons a Hololens 2 and shares some impressions, and we blitz through a whirlwind of pop culture updates.
Episode 567 - Take of Two Keynotes - 9/17/20
September 17, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 34.7 MBJeremy and Norm discuss in-depth the two big tech stories this week: Quest 2 being announced at Facebook Connect and Apple's new iPad and Watch event. We answer questions viewers have about the Quest 2 and brace ourselves for a holiday season of new hardware launches. And just as we finish recording, Sony drops the PlayStation 5 pricing and release dates!
Episode 567 – Take of Two Keynotes – 9/17/20
September 17, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 34.7 MBJeremy and Norm discuss in-depth the two big tech stories this week: Quest 2 being announced at Facebook Connect and Apple's new iPad and Watch event. We answer questions viewers have about the Quest 2 and brace ourselves for a holiday season of new hardware launches. And just as we finish recording, Sony drops the PlayStation 5 pricing and release dates!
Episode 566 - Where The Air is Sweet - 9/10/20
September 11, 2020 07:31 - 1 hour - 37.6 MBWe're joined by science communicator Trace Dominguez this week to discuss the state of the west coast wildfires and what's making the sky turn orange in the Bay Area. Kishore recaps the virtual panels of DragonCon, and Norm wonders how a big budget Dune gets approved. Plus, pricing for next-gen consoles, augmented reality Mario Kart, and the science of brain-machine interfaces. Thanks to Jeff for making this week's theme music!
Episode 566 – Where The Air is Sweet – 9/10/20
September 11, 2020 07:31 - 1 hour - 37.6 MBWe're joined by science communicator Trace Dominguez this week to discuss the state of the west coast wildfires and what's making the sky turn orange in the Bay Area. Kishore recaps the virtual panels of DragonCon, and Norm wonders how a big budget Dune gets approved. Plus, pricing for next-gen consoles, augmented reality Mario Kart, and the science of brain-machine interfaces. Thanks to Jeff for making this week's theme music!